Explosive combustion boiler



Sept. 18, 1934. 1 C. DOUCHA 1,9?4JT7 EXPLOSIVE COMBUSTION BOILER Filed March l1, 1933 2 Sheets-Sheei*l l ,yww

Sept. 8, 1934. J. c. DoUcHA EXPLOSIVE COMBUSTION BOILER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March ll, 1935 @comodo yg@ 3% @j bustion chambers with an exhaust member in Patented Sept. 18, 1934 UNITD STATES PATENT :QF-FICE 1,974,177v EXPLosI'vE ooivrusrlon BorLEI'i i John c. Douoha; chicago; 111.` Y y Application Maron ,11, 1933, serial No. 660,393 6 claims. (o1. 122-24;

The invention relates tot boilers and more particularly to explosive combustion boilers.

The invention is embodied in a boileradapted to .burnA eitherV gas or gasifiedv liquids or oils forming an explosive mixture underapproximately atmospheric pressure.

An object of the invention is the provision o a highly etcientV automatically operative' explosive combustion boiler of the kind described.

The-invention contemplates the use; ofl submerged combustion chambers, and of re tubes of relative vsmall diameter' and of substantial length through which the hot gases released from the combustion chambers are driven at high velocity to overcome the skin friction of the tubes. The eiiicientlength of the boiler is thereby increased and 'vas a result, its depth fora given capacity may be reduced. The-pressure ofthe gases of combustion is such that after giving up their heat to the surrounding water, they have a velocity sufficiently high that they may be discharged-,through an exhaust pipe-and a stack is unnecessary. Furthermore, no fire box is required and the boiler can be Apositioned close to the ioor.A The combination of a low depth boiler without a iire box adapts the boiler for installation in vexisting rooms or basements-having a limited ceiling height or'for building plans with out specialA provision for boiler installation and anotherobject of the invention is the provision of an improved boiler of the kind described which has a low depth for agivencapacity and has as a result, a high thermal efliciency. Y. 1

Theinvention is embodied infan explosive combustion boiler having no movable mechanism other than automatically actuatedl valveswhich are relatively noiseless in operation and Aa further objectof the invention is the provision of an improved-explosive .combustion boiler which is automatically self charging and operable by changes in pressure differentials therein and which is substantially noiseless in operation.

Still another object is the provision of nnproved means connecting a pair of explosive comsmi another object. of the invention is the provisionoi an improved b oilerof the kind described which is durable, simple in constructionf.

conveniently assembled, economically `manufacturedand itslconstruction. assembly and use provides improvements andconvem'encesv not heretofore employed in-,the art for the same general purpose. v l

Many other objects' and advantages of the constructionherein shown and described Vwill be obvious to those skilled in the art from the disclosure Aherein given. v

To this end,fmy invention consists in the novel construction, arrangement and combination of parts herein shown and described, and more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings, wherein like reference characters indicate like or corresponding parts:

Fig. 1 is a view along thei'line 1-1 of Fig. 2,` the same being a longitudinal vertical sectional view through a boiler embodying'the vprinciples of-my invention; w v

Fig. 2 is apartial sectional and front end view of the boiler shown in'Fig..1; f "y Fig. 3 i's a view along the line 3 3 of Fig. 2 drawn to a larger scale; Y

Fig. 4V is a view along the line 4 4 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is'a view along the line 5-5 o-f Fig. 1; Fig. Gis a view alongeither lines 6-.6 or lines Gaf-6a of Fig. 4; and

Fig. '7 is a View along the lines '7-'7 of Fig'. 6.

Referring vnow more particularly to the drawings, the boiler comprises a" cylindrical shell 8 having a curved rear end wall 9 and a front end wall 10. Feed Water is ladmitted into theboiler from the rear through an inlet pipe 11 and the steam vgenerated by the boiler is discharged from the top through a pipe 12.

The boiler'v shell 8 is positioned in closely spaced apart relation to a floor o-n a plurality of 'supporting members 13. A diaphragm 14 positioned towards the re'ar of the boiler separates a front main steam generating chamber 16 from' the rear portion of the'boiler. A horizontal diaphragm divides the rear end of the boiler into upper and lower chambers 1'7v and 18, respectively. `An exhaust conduit 19 connected with the chamber 18 provides an outlet for the gases of combustion. The inlet pipe 11 is connected `with .an economizer, positioned in the chamber 18. The economizer comprises a plurality of branchpipes 20 and headers 21 over and between which the exhaust gasesl flow beforebeing vdischarged, through the 'conduit 19.( f

A pluralityof longitudinally extending tubes 22 are arranged in a group inthe upper portion of the chamber ll'and` a larger number of similar tubes 23 are positioned in .the bottom portion of lthe'chamber. i The ends ofthe tubes 22 and 23 projectthrough the frontwall plate 10 and the diaphragmlfi. yThe diaphragm plate 14 also provides a plurality of apertures 24 permitting circulation of water between the chambers 16 and 17.`

A- forwardly and upwardly projecting chamber 28 is provided at the front end of the boiler with its lower end connected with they bottoni of the chamber 16 by an aperture 40. The chamber 28 is bounded by an inner plate 25,- an outer plate 26 and a top plate 27. The top of the chamber 28 is normally below the water level inthe main boiler and as a result is constantly filled with water. The chamber 28 provides a preheater for a portion of the water by reason of Contact therewith of gases moving downwardly through a chamber 31. The chamber 31 provides a conduit into which hot gases of combustion are discharged for the forward ends of the tubes 22 and enter the corresponding ends of the tubes 23. The upper portion of the chamber 31 is bounded by a plate 29 having ilanged edges 32 fastened to the end plate 10 and to the top plate 27 of the chamber 28. The downwardly descending gases are deflected into contact with the inner bounding plate of the chamber 28 by a curved plate 30 fastened to the front wall plate 10 between the open ends of thetubes 22 and of the tubes 23. A vertically extending plate 33, mounted on the middle portion of the plate- 29 opposite to the tubes 22, converges rearwardly at its midportion to provide a pair Vof concave surf-aces. The concave surfaces are'so arranged that they tend to circulate the descending gases and cause their uniform distribution through the relatively wide lower portion of the chamber 31. The boiler is so constructed that combustio occurs below the normal water level and also gases of combustion travel through conduits below the water level surrounded entirely by water except for the chamber 31 which is substantially so surrounded. A longitudinally extending tubular member 34 is positioned below the water level on one side of the chamber 16 with its front end projecting through the plate 10. The member 34 converges at its rear end to provide a conical member 36 opening through the diaphragm 14. A tubular member similar to the member 34, also below the water level, is oppositely positioned in the chamber 16 with its front end projecting through the plate 10 and its rear end converging to provide a. conical member 37 opening through the diaphragm plate 14. The members 34 and 35 provide combustion chambers 38 and 39, respectively. The rear ends of the chambers 38 and 39 are connected with the tubes 22 by conduits 41 and 42, respectively. The conduits 41 and 42 respectively terminate in closely yspaced discharge nozzles 43 and 44 positioned in a forwardly converging member 46 providing an exhaust nozzle. The rear end of the member 46 is closed by a plate 47 Vand its forward end is connected with a conical-shaped member 48 providing a chamber 49 opening into the rear ends of the tubes 22. Branch pipes 52 and 53 are provided to form by-passes connecting the intermediate portions of the conduits 41 and 42 with the exhaust member 46. The pipes 52 and 53 open into the member 46 adjacent the dis-V charge nozzles 43 and 44, respectively. Flow of gases through the by-pass pipes 52 and 53 is controlled by valves 54 and 55, respectively. The member 46 is connected with the atmosphere by a tube 50 opening into the member above and rearwardly ofthe discharge nozzles 43 and 44. A valve 51 is operable to control the flow of air through the pipe 50 into exhaust chamber 46.

The connections of the exhaust member 46 with the conduits 41 and 42, the by-pass pipes 52 and 53 and the chamber 49 are such that they are sealed against entrance of water and water vapor with which such elements are surrounded. The valves 54 and 55 are identical and are shown in detail in Figs. 6 and 7 as each comprising upper and lower longitudinally extending sections, respectively numbered and 101. The sections 100 and 101 have flanged edges 102 sep arated by gaskets 103, clamped together by bolts 104 to provide a fluid tight valve body. The valve body terminates at each end in an annular flange 105 fastened by bolts 106 to corresponding :flanges 107 formed on the contiguous by-pass sections between which the valve body is interposed.

The intermediate portion of the valve body is enlarged to provide a chamber 108 having a cover 109 clamped thereon by bolts 110 to provide a fluid tight joint. The oppositely positioned valves 54 and 55 are so arranged that the bottom of the chamber 108 of each is inclined upwardly towards the exhaust chamber 46 and provides a seat for the ball 111. The inclination of the bottom wall and the weight of the ball 111 are so adjusted that the ball occupies the full-line position except when the pressure in the pipe section 52 connecting the chamber 108 with the exhaust chamber 46 is lower by apredetermined amount than the pressure in the pipe section 52 connecting the chamber 108 with the conduits 41 or 42, in which'event the ball is moved to its'dotted line position and prevents flow of gases therethrough into the chamber 46. I

Upon the pressure differential becoming less than the predetermined amount, the ball 111 returns to its -full line or open position of the valve.

A pair of spaced apart plates 112 provide guides for the ball 1711 in its movement to closed position and a bar 113 positioned above and extending transversely to the path of the ball prevents the latter from being elevated to the top of the chamber 108.

Separate sets of similar closure elements,-

mounted on the projecting front ends of the tubular members 34 and 35, provide means for conveying a mixture of fuel and air into the respective combustion chambers 38 and 39 formed by thetubular members. The closure elements '5 each include a disc plate or block 56 fastened in any suitable manner to the end of the tubular members 34 and 35. The plates 56 each provide a central aperture 57 having a tapering edge 58 forming a seat for a` valve 59. bore 60 in the plate 56 is connected with the aperture 57 by a plurality of discharge ports 61 terminating'in the valve seat 58. An inlet duct 62, opening into the bore 60 and controlled by a regulating valve 63 provides an inlet for fuel such as gasoline or Yoil to be discharged through the bore 60 and ports 61. A gasoline feed pipe 66 discharges into the valves 63 through branch pipes 67. Valves 68 are provided to control the flow of gasoline through the branch pipes 67. A fuel roil pipe 69 controlled by a valve'70 is also connected with each of the valves 63. Housings 71, preferably concentric with the apertures 57, are mounted on the exterior of each plate 56 to provide chambers 72 respectively opening into the combustion chambers 38 and 39 through the apertures. Y

A valve 80 on the underside of each of the housings 71 provides an inlet for air into the housings and' combustion chambers 38 and 39 through if A circular the apertures 57. The valves 80 are ea'ch mounted in a housing 81 and are normally held in open position by a spring 82. Inwardlyconverging plates 92, mounted on the inner face of the blocks 56 are apertured and otherwise constructed to act as atomizers tending to vaporize the fuel coming through the ports 6l and mix thesame with the air admitted through the valve 80.

Means is also provided for admitting air under pressure into the chambers 72 for initial charging of either of the combustion chambers 38 and 39. For this purpose, a mainvcompressed air pipe 73 is connected with the chambers 72 by branch pipes 74 controlled by valves 75. The valves59 each have an elongated stem 76 extending through the chamber 72 and projecting through the end Wall or the housing 71. A compression spring 79, having its ends respectively abutting the ond of the housing 71 and a'washer 78, ade justably positioned on the stem 76 by a nut 77, comprise means normally holding the valves 59 in closed position. I

The explosive mixtures in the combustion chambers 38 and 39 are respectively ignited by a plurality of spark plugs 90, shown in Fig. '5 as mounted on the shell 8 and operatively connected With the combustion chambers. -A plurality of the spark plugsv 98 are preferably provided for each of the combustion chambers 38 and 39ar. ranged in spaced apart relation and in sufficient numbers that the entire contents of the chamber will be simultaneously ignited. Movementl of either of the valves 5 9 to'closedposition energizes the spark plugs so connected With the combustion chamber by closing a circuit connecting the spark plugs with an induction coil (not shown). The circuits each comprise a conductor 88 having one end connected with the induction coil and the other end connected with an adjustable contact member 86. The' contact Vmembers 86Y kare mounted on the inturned ends 85 oi barsi84isuitably fastened to the plate 56. The contactmembers 86 are positioned in'iongitudinal alignment with and in spaced apart relation to the project.- ing end of the corresponding -valve stem 76; Resilient contact members 87 are mounted on the bars 84 with their free ends proiecting'betw'een the ends of the contact members- 86 and the adjacent ends of the valve stems 76, the latter having their contacting ends insulated. 'Separate sets of conductors 89 connect the contact members 87 with the spark plugs 90 or" the V.corresponding combustion chamber. Movement of the valve 59 to closed position causes the insulated end of the stem 76 to contact with and bend the resilient contact member 87 sufficiently that the latter engages the contact member 88, thereby closing the circuit and energizing the spark plugs 90 with the result that the explosive contents of the combustion chamber are ignited.

The preliminary steps in charging the boiler in cold sta-te with fuel areas follows: Eitherof the combustion chambers 38 or 39 is lled with an explosive mixture or compressed air and gasoline, it being a matter ofA indierenceiwhich 0f such chambers are so charged. Assuming that the combustion chamber 38 is selected as'the one to be initially charged, the fuel oil valves are both closed and the gasoline valve 88 connected with the chamber 72 opening into the combustion chamber 39 is also closed. The valve 68 controlling the branch pipe 67 opening into the valve' 63 controlling the flow of fuel into the combustion chamber 38 is open. Gasoline is fed into thegasoline supply line 66' from an overhead tank (not'shoWn). by-gravity or under low pressure. The Valve 'controlling the branch air pipe 74 opening into vthe chamber 72 connected with the combustion'chamber 39 is closed and the valve 75` controlling the branch pipe 74 opening into the chamber. 72 connected with the combustion chamber 38 is open. With the valves 75 respectively closed and open as described, a measured quantity of compressed air from a tank (not shown) isintroducedinto the chamber 72 connected with the combustion chamber 38. ie pressure vof the enteringrair closes the spring Valve BO-.Which under atmospheric pressure is open and opens the valve 59 which under atmospheric pressure is heldclosed by means of the spring 79. The opening ofthe Valve 59 uncovers .the fuel ports 61 Vallowing the gasoline to mix with the Vcompressed air and ll the combustion chamber 38 with the explosive mixture. The measuring tank containing compressed air is preferably so constructed and of such Vcapacity that the pressure `therein drops to approximately one pound above atmospheric when the co.L bustion chamber 38 is substantially filled with explosive mixture at Vatmospheric pressure or slightly above. The open valve 75 is then closed and therpressure inthe` chamber 72 is permitted to'drop to-a point Where the valve 59 closes. The closing of the valve 59 also closes the circuit connected with the spark plugs 90 operatively connected with the combustion chamber 38. The resulting ignition of the explosive mixture in the chamber 38 raises the pressure of the gases contained therein preferably to approximately one hundred pounds, the degree of pressure depending upon the richness ofthemixture and the size of the outlet pipe 4l and the nozzle 43. The sudden rise in pressure in the chamber 38 closes the valve 54 inthe by-pass pipe 52, the latter being .preferably so adjusted as to close at a differential of approximately ten pounds. The hotgases are then discharged only through the pipe 41 and nozzle 43 into the exhaust member 46, the latter'being so constructed as to cause theowto producel a vacuum zone in its rear end portion With which the pipes 52 and 53 are connected. The exhaust member 46 is shown as providing a single stage ynozzle but a multiple stage nozzle'may be used, if desired. Regulation of the vacuum `in the combustion chamber and also in 'the exhaust member 46 may be accomplished by'means of the vvalve 5l which controls the pipe 50" connecting the member with the atmosphere. The hot'combustion gases are discharged from the nozzle 43 at a high velocity by reason of the pressure in the chamber 38. The gases then pass through'the chamber 49 Where they spread out and enter the tubes 22 at a relatively'high rate, rand' are discharged therefrom into the chamber 3l and then out through tl e tubes 23 asalready described.

The pressure in the conduit 4l and the vacuum in the exhaust memberli'maintains the pressure valve 54 in closed position While the pressure valve 55 in the by-pas's pipe 53 is in open posmember 46. This-inflowing air mixes with the gasoline flowing through the ports 61 When the valve 59 is open and as a result, the combustion chamber 39 is charged with an explosive mixture upon completion of the described combustion and exhaust of gases from the chamber 38. When the pressure in the chamber 39 becomes approximately that of the atmosphere, its valve 59 is closed by the action of the spring 79 and causes ignition of the mixture by energizing the spark plugs 90 operatively connected. with the chamber 39. Discharge of the gases of combustion from the chamber 39 into the exhaust member 46 opens the valve 54 in the by-pass pipe 52 which results in the exhaustion of the chamber 38 to a point where its control valve 59 opens and admits a mixture of air and gasoline. This cycle of alternate combustion, exhaustion and charging is automatically repeated thirty to one undred times per minute in each combustion chamber, the rate depending upon the size of the discharge nozzles 43 and 44and the richness of the mixture. Following the initial charge of the selected combustion chamber by the use of compressed air, the device operates automatically at atmospheric pressure to alternately produce the described cycle of operations in each of the chambers 38 and 39. 'Ihe by-passes 52 and 53, controlled by the valves 54 and 55 respectively, are provided to accelerate the discharge of the gases from the explosion chambers with which they are connected. The areas of the nozzles 43 and 44 are necessarily restricted in order that they may create the requisite vacuum in the exhaust chamber 46. The by-passes 52 and 53, by opening following the initial exhaust of the explosion chambers with which they are respectively connected, shorten the time within which the explosion chambers are exhausted.

The explosion of hydro-carbon fuels in the combustion chambers 38 and 39 results in the combination of the hydrogen content of the fuel with excess oxygen to form water vapor which condenses and creates a partial vacuum in the combustion chamber after the initial high pressure drops below the saturation point. The exhaust member connected as described with the other combustion chamber through its discharge and by-pass pipes increases this vacuum effect and results in the introduction of more of the explosive mixture into the combustion chamber than could otherwise be the case.

After the combustion chambers 38 and 39 are warmed up by using gasoline as fuel, the gasoline may be cut out and the boiler then operated with heavier and cheaper fuel oils. In changing from gasoline to the heavier hydrocarbons fuel, the valves 68 will be closed and the valves 70 which control the oil pipes 69 will be open. The oil pipes 69 are connected with a supply of oil (not shown) so positioned and controlled that the oil flows into the device either by gravity or under pressure sufficient to accomplish delivery of the oil through the ports 6l when the valve 59 is open. The oil discharged from the ports 6l will be mixed in the aperture 57 with the stream of inowing air, the mixture contacting with the atomizer plate 92" which has been heated by the described operation of the boiler with gasoline as fuel to a temperature sufliciently high to vaporize the oil and provide an explosive mixture of substantially uniform richness and density.

The thermal efliciency of a boiler constructed and automatically operable as described is relasmall diametered tubes 22 and 23 without being retarded by skin friction and also to the low vacuum in the combustion chamber as a result of the substantially complete evacuation of the gases'of combustion. The number and arrangement of the tubes 22 and 23 are such that the heat of the gases is transmitted to the surrounding water while traveling at a velocity greater than Would be possible under ordinary draft conditions with Y the further advantage that the velocity at the point of discharge from the tubes 23 is such that a stack is not needed and the gases may be discharged through a relatively small exhaust pipe. The rapid expansion of the gases also releases the thermal energy more rapidly than is the case where combustion occurs under constant pressure and as a result, thermal efficiency of a boiler so constructed and operable as described is in some cases, higher than ninety percent.

Thus it will be seen that I have provided an improved explosive combustion boiler of the kind described which is automatically operable, highly efiicient, relatively noiseless and adapted for use either for heating purposes` or the generation of power.

Having thus described the invention, it is obvious that various immaterial modifications may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of my invention; hence I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the exact form, construction, arrangement and combination of parts herein shown and described, or uses mentioned.-

What I claim as new and ldesire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a boiler of the kind described, a pair of explosion chambers each provided with a discharge conduit, means for alternately producing explosion in said chambers, and exhaust chamber, a pair of by-pass pipes respectively connecting the explosion chambers with the exhaust chamber, said discharge conduits extending into the exhaust chamber and terminating beyond said pipes to provide a vacuum zone adjacent the discharge ends of said pipes, and a pair of pressure control valves positioned one in each of said pipes, said valves each automatically operable to close when the pressure in the inlet end of its pipe exceeds the pressure in the outlet end thereof a predetermined amount and to open when said pressure differential is less than said predetermined amount.

2. In a boiler of the kind described, a receptacle for water, heating means submerged in the water contents of the receptacle, said means comprising a pair of explosion chambers each provided with a discharge conduit, means for alteryi,

nately producing explosion in said chambers an exhaust chamber, a pair of by-pass pipes respectively connecting the explosion chambers with the exhaust chamber, said discharge conduits extending into the exhaust chamber and terminat- 7,

ing beyond said pipes to provide a vacuum zone adjacent the discharge ends of said pipes, and a pair of pressure control valves positioned one in each of said pipes, said valves each automatically operable to close whenV the pressure in the inlet lll@ lll@

explosion chambers each provided` with a discharge conduit, an exhaust chamber, a pair of by-pass pipes respectively connecting the explosion chambers With the exhaust chamber, said discharge conduits extending into the exhaust chamber and terminating beyond said pipes to provide a vacuum Zone adjacent the discharge ends of said pipes, a pair oi pressure control valves positioned one in each of said pipes, said valves each automatically operable to close when the pressure in the inlet end of its pipe exceeds the pressure in the outlet end thereof by a predetermined amount and to open When said pressure diierential is less than said predetermined amount, and means automatically operable to alternately deliver to each explosion chamber a mixture of fuel and air during evacuation of its gases of combustion through its by-pass pipe, said means operable to ignite said mixture upon completion of its delivery.

4. En a boiler of the kind described, a pair of explosion chambers each provided with a discharge conduit, an exhaust chamber, a pair of by-pass pipes respectively connecting the explosion chambers with the exhaust chamber, said discharge conduits extending into the exhaust chamber and terminating beyond said pipes to provide a vacuum zone adjacent the discharge ends of said pipes, a pair of pressure control valves positioned one in each of said pipes, said valves each automatically operable to close when the pressure in the inlet end of its pipe exceeds the pressure in the outlet end thereof by a predetermined amount and to open when said pressure diierential is less than said predetermined amount, and means automatically operable to alternately deliver to each explosion chamber a mixture of fuel and air at atmospheric pressure during evacuation of its gases of combustion through its by-pass pipe, said means operable upon completion of said alternate delivery to automatically ignite said mixture.

5. In a boiler of the kind described, a receptacle for water, heating means submerged in the Water contents of said receptacle, said means comprising a pair of explosion chambers each provided with a discharge conduit, means for alternately producing explosions in said chambers, an exhaust chamber, a pair of by-pass pipes respectively connecting the explosion chambers with the exhaust chamber, said discharge conduits extending into the exhaust chamber and terminating beyond said pipes to provide a vacuum zone adjacent the discharge end of said pipes, a pair of pressure controlled valves positioned one in each of said pipes, said valves each automatically operable to close when the pressure in the inlet end of its pipe exceeds the pressure in the outlet end thereof by a predetermined amount and to open when said differential pressure is less than such predetermined amount, and a plurality of tubes each providing an outlet for said exhaust chamber.

6. In a boiler of the kind described, a receptacle for Water, heating means submerged in the Water contents of said receptacle, said means comprising a pair of explosion chambers each provided with a discharge conduit, an exhaust chamber, a pair of by-pass pipes respectively connecting the explosion chambers with the exhaust chamber, said discharge conduits extending into the exhaust chamber and discharging in a direction adapted to produce a vacuum zone adjacent the discharge ends of said pipes, a pair of pressure controlled valves positioned one in each 105 of said pipes, said valves each automatically operable to close when the pressure in the inlet end of its pipe exceeds the pressure in the outlet and thereof by a predetermined amount and to open when said diiferential pressure is less than such 110 predetermined amount, a plurality of tubes each providing an outlet for said exhaust chamber, and means automatically operable to alternately deliver into each explosion chamber a mixture of fuel and air during evacuation of its gases of 115 combustion through its by-pass pipe, said means operable upon completion of said alternate delivery to automatically ignite said mixture. 

